The Fashion File - Mo-Designz

The Fashion File - Mo-Designz

How did you discover BJDs (SDs, Delf, Ai whatever types you collect)?

I was a subscriber to Haute Doll Magazine from its inception. The January 2005 issue was the turning point. I had casually scanned through previous articles dealing with BJDs as I had been designing solely for Barbies and Tyler/Gene/Alexes. But when I received that particular issue I was totally and completely smitten. I knew in an instant I HAD TO HAVE ONE!!!!! Immediately I ran to the computer to look up the company sites mentioned in the magazine. I must've spent a whole weekend perusing every site I could get my hands on. My eyes were just about bleeding from the wealth of information to be discovered. I found one site in particular that caught my eye - LUTS. I can't even tell you what drew me in, but in I fell like Alice down the rabbit hole……The one face that jumped out at me was the Dark Elf Soo. She was DEFINITELY not like any of the other fashion dolls I've dealt with. That was probably the draw for me - not the ears as some of my friends thought. It was something about the face. At first I thought of "playing it safe" and getting a Lishe. But DES kept calling me (you want meeeee, you need meeee, buy meeeee). For reasons still unknown to me, I asked my husband. Thank goodness for the male logic - it's either black or white. He agreed that they were both very nice (for dolls) but if I was going to invest that kind of money, why not go for the more unique looking. Luckily Christmas had just passed and my birthday was fast approaching - YAY for envelopes with money inside!!!!! So by January 24th Saskia came to live with us.

What got you started in making clothing for them?

Having been designing for the other dolls for over 4 years and after seeing the size of BJDs I couldn't wait for Saskia to become my next muse/model. I hit the dirt running to get to my favourite fabric shop. I was sooooo excited!!!! I could now use much larger prints than before. The possibilities were only limited to my imagination - oh yeah and my back account LOL. The realization that pattern pieces, seams and the dreaded "arms aye" would now be bigger too was enough to make me dance around my sewing room.

When did you first start selling your clothing?

Pretty much around the same time as I started designing for the smaller dolls. I had been selling mostly on Ebay and also by word of mouth. After diving into the BJD world I soon discovered the great people at Den of Angels. Nice to have a place to chat, buy, sell and drool at other people's dolls.

What inspired your business name?

The name Mo-Designz was the result of a latté buzz and good natter with my girlfriend one day. From the day I started working with her she called me Mo. We had tossed about various names until it got quite silly and we were giggling hysterically. Thinking out loud, she said "Ok enough silliness -Let's see Mo designs doll clothes……." The "Z" was just for effect.

Did you encounter any obstacles before selling/marketing your clothes?

Other than figuring out all the "ins and outs" of Ebay world, the fact that there just aren't enough hours in the day for a full-time office job and doing what I love and minor sewing machine hiccups……..nothing major. My biggest obstacle is being too hard on myself. Just when I think "ah geeez nobody is buying/order anything from me…." BOOM I get commissions out of nowhere. I just wish I could knit/sew faster sometimes. Sleeping and eating kinda get in the way too LOL

What is your favorite fabric/material to work with?

From a sewing standpoint, anything that has a good weight to it and doesn't require machine adjustments or basting. Plain fabrics are great palettes for embellishment. I think that's my favourite part about sewing…the creativity aspects. How can I take this plain fabric and make it WOW? What can I add to this pattern design to make it different? From a textural and visual aspect, for me, nothing beats the look and feel of Silk Dupioni. It has a good hand, presses well and still allows for embellishment fun

What is your least favorite fabric/material to work with?

I think the worst is any fabric that ravels by just looking at it. Nothing more frustrating than carefully planning a garment, cutting it and having it disintegrate by the time you get it to the machine. Even after 30+ years of sewing there's still times I think "why did I buy this fabric?????" Certain pleathers can be challenging too. I think my least favourite would be real leather or suede. I'm STILL having a love/hate relationship with that particular one.

What has been the most rewarding part of making clothes?

Just the little things really…..Things like people emailing me and saying how much they enjoy the garment they bought from me. One specific gauge that I've done a good job is when I bring something to work and my co-worker says - "That is sooo nice - you should make one in your size". That's when I know I've achieved the right "look" to my creation. The MOST specific one would have to be when I finish something and think "DRAT I wanna keep this one….." Age has made me smarter - I make 2 of everything now, just in case.

What is the most difficult part of making clothes for your dolls?

Aside from the obvious time constraints, I guess it would have to be decisions, decisions……What do I want to make next? I usually start with a new favourite fabric and go from there. The other would be trying NOT to get too far ahead of myself in projects. I've stopped doing mass cutting sprees and having 50 projects lined up on my "to do" pile. I end up overwhelming myself.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Mostly it's fabrics. I'm a very tactile person and LOVE fabrics and embellishments. I especially love combining different fabrics, embellishments, techniques etc. that you normally wouldn't think of putting together. I love stretching my mind and capabilities. I'm forever tearing out pictures from magazines. Yes, I'm "that person" who has stolen a page our of a waiting room magazine. My hair dress knows me now and saves magazines for me to tear up to my hearts content.

What has been your favorite outfit/piece so far and why is it your favorite?

OMG that's a tough one. I may sound corny but I kinda have to say my favourite is the one I haven't conceived yet. By that I mean it's the anticipation of the "next project" with some gorgeous fabric that lies undiscovered at the fabric store. But if you want a more definitive answer I guess it would be a close tie between the pink metallic ski set and the convertible overalls.

Where do you usually sell your clothing?

Mostly on Ebay. Secondly by word of mouth commissions. And lastly, on DoA.

Are there any tips or advice for novice "seamstresses" you'd like to share?

Who is your favorite model?

I prefer more curvaceous girls like my DES (Saskia) and AR Nell (Skylar). I just recently purchased an MSD Soulkid Tiffee (Sookie). But I quickly discovered that "little girl" types are not for me. I'm expecting a Mini Soo soon so I will be making MSD sized clothing. Just in a more mature styling rather than child like.

Who is your "dream doll"?

My first doll CP DES was and is still my dream doll simply because she was my first BJD. I am, however, seriously considering getting a Notdolllab Belladonna. My first love in designing was period clothing and she'll be a perfect model for that.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself, your dolls or your clothing?

Hopefully soon, I'll be setting up a proper web page where I can showcase all my fashion doll designs in one convenient place. My goal would be to do small amounts of limited designs for people to purchase online. I'm always open for commissions and helping people realize their fashion desires.